Gallagher signs with Habs

Vancouver Giants standout Brendan Gallagher has signed a three year, entry-level contract with the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday.

Gallagher, selected in the fifth round (147th overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, impressed at the Canadiens training camp in September and was among the last cuts.

“I would like to thank the Montreal Canadiens for taking a chance on me and believing in me,” Gallagher said in a release. “I’m very excited to sign my first pro contract, which puts me one step closer to realizing my dream of playing in the NHL. This would not have happened without the support of my family, my many teammates over the years, the coaching staff in Vancouver led by Don Hay, and the rest of the Giants organization.”

The five-foot-eight, 175-pound forward is coming off back-to-back 40-goal seasons with the Giants. He has 18 goals and 31 points in 18 games this season.

Gallagher is a strong candidate to represent Team Canada at the 2012 World Junior Championship.